Boy from streets stands first in school

Rajkot, Jun 18 (UNI) A 17-year-old boy, who used to collect alms to support his family, has topped his school in the SSC exams this year, with his sheer determination and conviction.

Girish Jaintilal Shrimali, topped Nagdavas School in the exam in Morbi Taluka of the district, with 77 per cent, principal of the school Jalabhai Arjanbhai Dhranga told UNI.

Girish, who used to collect alms in the morning and subsequently attend school in the afternoon, always secured first division in his eighth and ninth standard, Mr Dhranga said.

Girish's father had left his family, few years ago. Later, his mother Shantiben took up domestic work to feed the family, including his two sisters. However, Shantiben was not able make ends meet, when Girish, who had by then lost three years of schooling due to family problems, decided to help his mother by collecting alms.

Girish, who was brilliant in studies, later managed to take admission in Nagdavas school, Mr Dhranga said.

Girish now wants to get admission in Diploma in Computer or in Engineering and has already got some sponsors, who have agreed to bear the expenses of his education, the principal added.